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Bengals middle linebacker Dhani Jones is currently starring in his second season on the Travel Channel’s Dhani Tackles The Globe, but he’s working his way back to Cincinnati for the spring workouts. Before the Bengals make their 2010 on-field debut May 11, the man who started his own bow ties company has business with some friends.

Here’s a press release from the Jones’ juggernaut:

Dhani Jones and Chiquita Brands International CEO Fernando Aguirre are teaming up to increase awareness and raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Through a new project called, Bow Ties for a Cause, Dhani has designed a signature line exclusively for the JDRF Annual Gala in Cincinnati May 8. All proceeds benefit JDR.

Their unique friendship began in December 2009, when Fernando was a guest on the Bengals Weekly segment, “In the Zone with Dhani Jones.” Shortly after the interview, Fernando sent a letter to Dhani, inviting him to be his guest at this year’s event where he and his wife, Citlali, will be honored as Cincinnatians of the Year.

“I was honored to be invited, and in return I wanted to do something meaningful for the event,” said Dhani. “Bow Ties for a Cause was an idea I had after meeting with Fernando and I actually collaborated with his son, Fabrizio, to design the bow tie. I’m known as the ‘bow tie guy’, so this was a perfect way for me to give back in the Cincinnati community.”

Fernando and Citlali became tireless advocates for JDRF when Fabrizio was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes eight years ago.

“When Dhani came to me with the idea, I thought it was great,” said Fernando. “To include my son in the process is a testament to Dhani’s character. What a class act for the NFL and Cincinnati.”

Dhani believes this signature bow tie will create increased awareness of type 1 diabetes while generating essential funding for JDRF. The bow ties will be $57, significant of Dhani’s jersey number, and all proceeds will benefit JDRF. With nearly 100 JDRF galas each year, Bow Ties for a Cause will provide a new avenue for outreach.

Dhani and Fernando continue their friendship outside of JDRF as well. Dhani received some travel advice while recently filming an episode of Dhani Tackles the Globe.

“I gave him some tips for his episode in my hometown of Mexico City” said Fernando. “With his love of local culture, I told him to visit the Aztec Pyramids and also gave him some restaurant recommendations.”

To purchase a bow tie, attend the gala or to support JDRF contact The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at 513.793.3223, or email Jen Trokhan at jtrokhan@jdrf.org.

JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, please visit jdrf.org.